What we can do for you
Aims: To provide effective, efficient and accountable local government for the parish of Harrold, enabling residents to be involved in the life of the community and its future development. To be a strong voice for residents and local businesses, working to improve the overall village area, both built and natural, while preserving the uniqueness of heritage areas.
Objectives: To understand and communicate the views, needs and aspirations of residents and businesses to statutory and non-governmental bodies as required. Increase public involvement in the community through ensuring the parish council and its activities are open, transparent and accountable to residents.
Support local business and economic activity in the village.
Work with Bedford Borough Council to provide safe and healthy opportunities for recreation, leisure and education
and to provide, improve and maintain play equipment and public recreation spaces.
To support the work of village voluntary organisations through grants and practical support.
Respond to planning applications and other statutory consultations on time.
To facilitate the operation of the cemetery at St Peter’s church.
What is a Parish Council?
Parish or Town Councils are an important tier of Government within the UK; a Parish/Town Council is the smallest and most localised tier of local government in the UK and is a properly constituted local authority.
The powers and duties, and the manner in which a Parish Council operates are laid out in local government statute and regulations; Parish Councils operate at a level below national government and also below district and borough councils. Parish & Town Councils are elected and can help on a number of local issues, like planning applications or running local sports grounds and community halls.
The Parish Council has legal responsibilities as an employer, and sometimes as an owner of public land and buildings.
Parish Councils are Statutory Bodies, having powers under a number of different Acts (the Local Government Act 1972, the Public Health Act 1936, etc.). Only a few Councils need to use all their available powers. It is up to each Council to choose what is appropriate for the community they serve.
The Council raises funds by the annual Precept is set in January of each year. The amount required is guided by the setting of the annual budget in the November preceding.
The Parish Council precept is added to the Council Tax bill and collected by Bedford Borough Council (on behalf of the Parish Council).
The Council also raises funds through grants from other organisations.
Parish Councillors
We will endeavour to keep the information provided on our own site accurate and up to date.
If you spot any errors or omissions please contact us by email so that we can investigate and correct.